Sail Canada announces its Board of Directors for 2024-2025
by Sail Canada 7 Nov 16:26 PST
Sail Canada presents its Board of Directors for 2024-2025 © Sail Canada
Sail Canada is excited to unveil its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term, following last week’s virtual Annual Meeting.
Two new members have joined the Sail Canada Board, Martha Henderson from Toronto, ON, and Hugh Goodday from Chester, N.S.
They will collaborate with existing members, including Board Chair Kate MacLennan, along with at-large directors Torstein Braaten, Barbara Pike, Valérie Lavigne, and Fiona Cochrane, as well as Athlete Directors Rob Hemming and Mariah Millen.
Martha Henderson represented Canada at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the Three-Person Keelboat (Yngling), finishing in 13th place alongside teammates Katie Abbott and Jen Provan. She has extensive experience in various sport sectors, including serving as Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club and as an International Sports and Event Marketing Specialist. She later led Membership, Group Sales, and Promotions at the Royal Ontario Museum. Martha has also served on the Royal Canadian Yacht Club Board, being its first female Rear Commodore Fleet, and has participated in organizations such as the Disabled Sailing Association of Ontario, Gymnastics Canada, and Canada’s America’s Cup 40 Women’s and Youth Challenge Executive Board of Directors. Additionally, she is a Regional Race Officer.
“I am thrilled to join the Sail Canada Board and look forward to collaborating with fellow members and staff as we embrace the changes and opportunities ahead for Sail Canada and our stakeholders in the upcoming quadrennial,” remarked Martha Henderson.
Hugh Goodday is a former Eastern Canadian 16-and-under Laser Champion (2002), a Canadian Champion in F18 double-handed catamaran (2012), and a member of Team Canada at the Student Yachting World Cup (2011), as well as the McGill University Sailing Team (2004-2007). He boasts a rich inshore and offshore sailing career with impressive placements in events like the Rolex Middle Sea Race, Newport to Bermuda Race, IMA Transatlantic Race, Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race, Vanisle 360, and Lake Ontario 300. Hugh is affiliated with the Cruising Club of America (BDO Station) and Chester Yacht Club. He serves as Managing Partner and Chief Growth Officer at the VIDA Group of Companies, focusing on creating a world-class team and strategic initiatives. Prior to joining VIDA, Hugh practiced corporate law at Blakes (Toronto) and Slaughter and May (London), where he advised TSX 60 and FTSE 100 company leadership on significant transactions and governance issues.
“Being part of the Sail Canada Board of Directors is a tremendous honor,” stated Hugh Goodday. “I am motivated by the opportunity to influence the future of high-performance sailing in Canada. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Board members to address the challenges and opportunities facing our organization and sport. With the 2028 Olympics approaching, we must act swiftly to elevate Canadian sailing!”
Martha Henderson and Hugh Goodday will succeed Kelly Lyon and Zac Baum, who have completed their terms.
“I want to take a moment to thank Zac for his six years of dedicated service on the Board and his substantial contributions to the Governance and Ethics Committee, Finance Committee, IDE Committee, as well as serving as Secretary,” commented Kate MacLennan, Chair of Sail Canada’s Board of Directors. “I also extend my gratitude to Kelly for her three years on the Board, her commitment to promoting women in sailing, and her contributions to the DEI committee. We wish Zac and Kelly all the best, and we sincerely thank you both.”
